Some vehicles are surprise packets in the classic market, proving far more popular and desirable today than when they left the showroom floor. The 1971 Ford Sport Bronco is a perfect example of that trend, with potential buyers clamoring to give even rough examples a new home. This Bronco is a two-owner survivor with some of the typical rust problems. However, it is far from a lost cause and is a turnkey proposition that a new owner could restore at their leisure. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Boulder, Colorado. They set their BIN at $32,500 with the option to make an offer.

Ford’s First Generation Bronco was into its sixth year of production by the time this Sport version left the factory. The Sport package was purely a cosmetic upgrade, adding additional bright trim and items like guards to the chrome front bumper. Ordered in Candy Apple Red, this vehicle is a two-owner survivor that has spent its life in its current location. The seller states that it suffers from some of the typical Bronco rust issues, but that it remains structurally sound and is far from a lost cause. Steel penetration has hit the floors, rockers, passenger side front inner fender, and the inner kick panels. The good news is that replacement parts are readily available and surprisingly affordable, allowing the new owner to return the body to a rust-free state. The windshield is new, the remaining glass is in good condition, and it appears in some photos that this Bronco retains its correct hubcaps.

The seller recently treated the Bronco to new front seat foam and covers in the correct Parchment vinyl, along with a new dashpad. The floor wears the correct and original Parchment mat that formed part of the Sport option, along with a factory AM radio in the dash. The overall presentation is pretty impressive, although I would probably replace the armrests to further improve the appearance. Refreshingly, there are no visible aftermarket additions beyond a removable console, and even the shifter is in the correct spot on the column.

Initially, the optional V8 offered by Ford in the First Generation Bronco was the 289ci powerplant. However, the 302 replaced it in 1969 and would remain available until production ended in 1977. This Sport Bronco features that V8, a three-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. The 302 was an ideal motor to power the Bronco, with its 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque allowing it to climb over most obstacles and still cruise merrily at freeway speed. The seller confirms that this Sport Bronco is in excellent mechanical health. The brakes were recently rebuilt, and the tires are fairly new. The seller supplies a link to a couple of YouTube short videos that feature the engine starting and running. It sounds as smooth as silk, supporting their claim that it runs and drives extremely well.

The classic market has been quite volatile during the past year, but the 1971 Ford Sport Bronco has bucked the trend as values continue to climb. That this vehicle has generated interest is beyond question, with Listing View and Watch List tallies of 326 and 36, respectively, at the time of writing. The BIN figure isn’t cheap for a vehicle requiring restoration, but it is within keeping with market expectations. I think that it will find a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?